Top 6 iPhone Camera Settings for Better Looking Videos

1. Switch to 4K Resolution

Start here if you want a major quality boost.

The latest iPhone models can shoot in 4K, offering four times the detail of standard 1080p HD. Switching to 4K instantly gives you better clarity, sharpness, and detail, giving your videos a polished, professional look. It’s a game-changer for Instagram, TikTok, or any platform where crisp, good visuals matter. Plus, edits in post-production feel easier.

Whether you’re capturing family moments, outdoor adventures, or pro projects — 4K gets you there above all else. To enable it:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Video mode.
3. Check the corner of your screen. If it says “HD,” tap it to toggle to 4K.

2. Shoot at 24 Frames Per Second

For that cinematic look everyone loves, set your iPhone to record at 24 frames per second (fps). 24FPS is the industry standard for video, allowing slightly fewer frames to give off a flatter, more filmic look.

While the default setting is often 30 fps, professionals lean toward 24 fps because it closely mimics how the human eye perceives motion. It gives you a smoother, more natural aesthetic that adds depth and 'feeling' to your videos. To adjust:

Settings > Camera > Record Video, and select 4K at 24 fps for the best results.

3. Disable "HDR Video"

HDR video is great for added brightness, contrast, and color — nice for scenes with dramatic lighting differences. But it’s not always the best choice, and honestly, it can make the footage look crunchy.

In some cases, HDR can oversaturate colors, exaggerate motion, or create an unnatural look — especially in low-contrast situations against skin tones. To keep your videos consistent and looking toned, it’s often better to turn HDR off.

To disable:

Settings > Camera > Record Video, and toggle off HDR Video.

4. Enable Stabilization

Not everyone has the steady hands of a pro cinematographer. Still, your iPhone’s stabilization feature can help smooth out those unintentional bumps and wobbles for casual scenes, giving your videos a more polished look.

That said, it’s not a perfect solution. The software can struggle to keep up for fast-paced shots, and the results might look a little funky or unstable. Stabilization works best for Cinematic Mode or slow, deliberate movements like gentle pans.

We'd still urge you to upgrade to a phone gimbal or filmmaker cage for high-speed action or dynamic filming for true professional-level stability. While the iPhone’s built-in stabilization is great for normal use, it’s not quite ready to replace pro tools for fast-moving scenes.

Here’s how:

Settings > Camera > Record Video and toggle the "Enhanced Stabilization" option.

5. Enable "Lock Camera"

When you're filming a video with multiple subjects at different distances, the iPhone has a habit of deciding on its own which camera lens to use mid-recording. While this can sometimes be helpful, it can leads to inconsistent visuals that feel choppy or messy. A smooth, fluid image is key for better-looking footage.

Turn on this feature before you start recording can prevent the iPhone from making those lens switches and keep your video looking seamless from start to finish.

Here’s how to do it:

Settings > Camera > Record Video > Enable Lock Camera

6. iPhone 16 Only: Camera Controls

The latest iPhone makes it super easy for creators to capture exactly what they want with just a thumbtap. Open the camera app, and you’re ready to roll. No fuss.

Here's how:

• Light press to start editing a control value. Swipe the control button side to side (or drag the on-screen slider) to change the value.
• Double-press to select one of the available controls. Pro Camera lets you choose between shutter speed, ISO, EV, focus, zoom, and white balance. You can also access the list of controls by swiping down on the on-screen slider.
• Full press to take a photo or start/stop video recording

You can even set the Camera Control to launch Moment's Pro Camera App whenever it’s pressed. Just open the Settings app and select “Moment” under Camera → Camera Control. It works even if your phone is locked!